Show-Me Photography

Senior Kelsey McClure performs on the beam at a gymnastics competition. McClure practices year-round, and travels across the country for competitions. “On my way to Indianapolis my family was driving in a snow and ice storm and we were forced to sleep in a car,” McClure said. Photo Credit: Show-Me Photography

While most children were just trying to learn the alphabet, senior Kelsey McClure was in the St. Louis Gym Centre at Webster Groves learning gymnastics.  Now, she competes all over the country, and has placed in the highest level in the Junior Olympic program.

“The coaches saw potential in me at age five,” McClure said.

From there, McClure began training 20 hours per week at her gym.  She also attends around 10 national gymnastics competitions per year across the country.

“I do not always have all the time I need or wish to do my homework.  In addition, I have to miss school sometimes for gymnastics competitions,” McClure said.

McClure has had many great moments while doing gymnastics.

“[I was proud] the first time I caught a tkachev (a release on the uneven bars) in a competition.  My whole team showed a lot of support and spirit cheering for me,” McClure said.

Of the 90 girls on her gymnastics team, only six are on level 10 with her.

“Our team is very close—we compete together, travel to meets, do charity work, walk in parades and just hang out at each other’s houses,” McClure said.

Although McClure’s gymnastics team takes precautions when it comes to safety, like conditioning and using mats to practice skills, injuries do occur.  McClure had an injury to her back three years ago, and hurt her Achilles tendon four years ago.

“[It] has limited my training, but I have learned to deal with it,” McClure said.

Despite her injuries, McClure has been a state qualifier eight times, a regional qualifier four times and a state champion.  She also admires the 2012 Women’s Gymnastics Olympics team, known as ‘The Fab Five’.

“[They] are inspiring role models and athletes.  They are ambassadors for the strength of women in athletics,” McClure said.

However, she doesn’t plan to attempt to go to the Olympics.

“[It] requires a lot of sacrifices and a lot more training,” McClure said.

McClure has also decided she is not going to pursue gymnastics in college, on account of her previous injuries and the limitations they place on her performance.  Though for now, she continues to practice and perform.

“My favorite part of gymnastics is working hard, accomplishing your goals and flying through the air,” McClure said.